Smithsonian Channel Inks Distribution Deals With Charter, FiOS

Smithsonian Channel has reached an affiliate agreement with Verizon FiOS TV and gained additional distribution on systems owned by Charter Communications.

The addition of these new distributors, according to network officials, makes Smithsonian Channel available to 22 million households. The network, which offers historical, cultural and scientific programming, already had carriage on satellite leader DirecTV and on Charter systems in the New Orleans area.

The new deals, terms of which were not disclosed, also include Smithsonian Channel On Demand, which is available in both standard and high-definition formats.

“We’re very excited to be working with our new partners and thrilled that they share our desire to provide their customers the best in high-definition programming from one of the best known brand names with Smithsonian Channel,” said Tom Hayden, executive vice president, general manager for Smithsonian Networks, in a statement. “This is great progress for the channel and we look forward to announcing other distribution agreements over the next few months.”

Smithsonian Channel is a joint venture between Smithsonian Institute and Showtime Networks Inc.